Historic, colourful, multicultural Penang is one in every of my favourite locations in Malaysia – there’s a lot to discover on this various island – so that you’ll must plan your itinerary for Penang fastidiously if you wish to match all of it in!
I’ve visited Penang thrice now and have put collectively this complete Penang journey information that explains how you can spend 3 days in Penang, Malaysia, or longer, that can assist you plan your individual journey.
So, if you’re in search of a Penang itinerary that mixes the must-see vacationer sights with nature and meals adventures and a few hidden gems then I hope you’ll discover this weblog helpful.
Why I Love Penang
I like Penang as a result of it’s a melting pot of cultures and historical past, it’s one of the vital fascinating and delightful locations in all of Southeast Asia and there’s a lot to discover.
From the historic UNESCO world heritage listed metropolis of George City, house to temples, church buildings, and mosques, to the scenic Penang hill station, the tropical seashores at Batu Ferringhi and Penang Nationwide Park.
For those who’re a foodie you undoubtedly can’t miss Penang island out of your Malaysia itinerary because the historic streets of George City are house to among the greatest avenue meals in Asia because of the mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese language delicacies.
Penang is fascinating, very secure and reasonably priced place to go to and many individuals communicate English, however with a lot to see and do you’ll must plan your itinerary for Penang fastidiously in case you don’t miss out on something.
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Ideas for Planning your Itinerary for Penang
Earlier than you intend your itinerary for Penang it is best to contemplate the size of your journey, when to go to, the place to remain and how you can get there and get round, so I’ll cowl all this too on this weblog put up.
For those who already know all this then click on right here to skip to the daily itinerary.
How Lengthy To Spend in Penang
Penang has the type of vibe that makes you wish to decelerate and keep awhile so even when you have every week or extra you at all times discover one thing new to find and received’t get bored. It’s additionally a really reasonably priced place to go to so you’ll be able to in all probability afford to remain longer.
1 – 2 Days:
For those who simply wish to discover George City and the most well-liked vacationer sights in Penang then it is best to spend at the least 2 days in Penang, however it may really feel a bit rushed and also you received’t have time to see and do every thing and actually absorb the distinctive historical past and environment.
In case you are brief on time I like to recommend hiring a personal driver for a tour of Penang to maximise your time and minimise time spent making an attempt to determine public transport. The driving force can be versatile so you’ll be able to solely spend your time see the issues that curiosity you and never ready for a tour group so that you’ll get to see most locations in simply 1 day.
3 Days:
I like to recommend spending at the least 3 days in Penang to wander the historic streets, discover the road artwork, strive the meals, and go to all of the well-known sights and museums. 3 days gives you time to discover George City and go to locations outdoors the town like Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Nationwide Park, and Batu Ferringhi Seashore.
4 – 7 Days:
Spending 4 or 5 days in Penang, or perhaps a week, gives you sufficient time to discover the various sights, museums and eateries at a extra relaxed tempo. When you have 4 days in Penang you’ll be able to discover past the favored vacationer spots, get off the overwhelmed monitor, and immerse your self within the native tradition. A great way to do that is with a bicycle tour to discover the countryside and a cooking class to learn to prepare dinner Malaysian delicacies.
On this Penang itinerary, I’ll offer you my suggestions for the well-known sights that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Penang for 3 days, in addition to some ideas for when you have extra time and wish to get off the overwhelmed monitor.
First off, I’ll undergo some important journey ideas for visiting Penang, then I’ll embody an in depth itinerary for 3 days in Penang. For those who already know the fundamentals then click on right here to skip to the daily itinerary.
The Greatest Time to Go to Penang
When planning your itinerary for Penang it’s smart to think about the climate for the perfect expertise.
As a tropical island close to the equator, Penang is scorching and humid all yr spherical with common temperatures of round 30°C most days. It may well rain at anytime too, however a fast tropical downpour is definitely fairly nice and refreshing and unlikely to smash your day.
One of the best time to go to Penang is within the winter between December and February when the climate is comparatively cool, much less humid, and customarily dry and cozy.
Throughout this era the times are largely sunny and dry, the temperature is delicate and the humidity is low, making it the right time to get outdoors and discover. Nonetheless, it’s additionally the most well-liked time so ensure you guide your transportation, lodging, and actions upfront and anticipate crowds if visiting on nationwide holidays.
You’ll see all types of holidays being celebrated in Malaysia from Christmas to Deepavali from Chinese language New Yr to Eid which may be nice to expertise however ensure you guide upfront and anticipate crowds and better costs throughout these durations.
Penang’s wet season, which often falls between September, October and November, isn’t a nasty time to go to. Some cloud cowl and rain showers carry aid from the new, humid, summer season climate, carry an umbrella and poncho and the rain shouldn’t smash your plans an excessive amount of.
Attending to Penang and Getting Round
There’s a number of choices for touring to Penang, relying on the place you might be coming from, together with flights, buses, trains and ferries.
By Air
Penang Worldwide Airport (PEN) receives flights from close by Southeast Asian hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok, and even locations like Phuket, Vietnam, and Qatar.
The airport is situated a brief drive from George City and there are many taxis and buses out there. You may as well pre guide an airport switch to your lodge to make sure your arrival is clean and stress free.
Penang airport isn’t as huge as Kuala Lumpur airport, so if you’re coming from additional afield you’ll in all probability must fly into Kuala Lumpur (KUL) first or join via someplace like Singapore. It’s solely an hour flight from Kuala Lumpur and there are many flights on daily basis.
Stopover concepts
For those who do come by way of Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur it’s undoubtedly value spending just a few days to test these vibrant trendy mega cities out too! Learn my different itineraries for extra ideas and inspiration.
Visas
Most individuals don’t want a visa to enter Malaysia, residents of UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Europe obtain a free 90 days go to cross on entry. You simply must do an MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrivals Card) earlier than you arrive. It simply takes a couple of minutes to do on-line.
Bear in mind that guidelines can change so at all times test the newest updates and particular necessities on your nationality on the official Malaysia immigration web site first.
You possibly can decide up a neighborhood sim card on the airport or get a ESIM beforehand to make sure you keep related and keep away from excessive roaming charges.
Buses
You may as well journey to Penang overland. Do you know, Penang is not only an island, it’s a province that features locations on the mainland of Malaysia and is related to the mainland by two bridges. This implies you’ll be able to take a bus straight to Penang metropolis.
Frequent buses run from Kuala Lumpur (5-6 hours) and likewise from Hat Yai in southern Thailand. Penang’s predominant bus station is Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, close to to Penang Bridge, and there are Fast Penang buses that cowl the island.
Trains and Ferries
The closest railway station is on the mainland in Butterworth. Trains run from Singapore via Malaysia and on to Thailand. After arriving at Butterworth station you’ll be able to stroll to the ferry terminal and take a brief ferry journey to George City. Or take a taxi or catch a bus and go over the bridge.
Throughout busy durations, transportation can get absolutely booked so I like to recommend reserving upfront to keep away from any stress or disappointment. One of the best place to guide bus, prepare and ferry tickets whenever you go to Malaysia is on 12 Go Asia.
Getting round Penang
Penang has a wonderful bus community that covers most locations of curiosity and getting round Penang is fairly straightforward.
George City is kind of compact, secure, and walkable. Some resorts provide shuttle companies and bike leases or, in case your legs get uninterested in strolling, you’ll be able to journey round in a colourful trishaw for a novel and enjoyable solution to uncover the town. There are additionally loads of guided excursions out there and hiring a personal driver for the day may be fairly reasonably priced.
Taxis are additionally out there and are fairly low cost however, in case you take a taxi, be certain they use the meter or agree on a worth earlier than setting off to keep away from over paying. I like to recommend downloading the Seize App (Asia’s Uber equal) to simply hail taxis and order meals supply in Malaysia.
In case you are comfy driving a scooter or motorcycle in Asia, renting one may be an environment friendly, reasonably priced and enjoyable solution to discover the town and its environment. Be sure you carry a world driving allow.
Prime Excursions, Actions, and Experiences
Penang has such a wealthy and various heritage and George City is the type of place the place having a educated native information actually brings the fascinating historical past and tales alive and makes the expertise extra fascinating and significant.
There’s a wide range of guided excursions and fascinating actions to get pleasure from in Penang, from heritage strolling excursions and avenue meals excursions, to household pleasant sights, cooking courses, and biking excursions of the tropical countryside.
Some experiences are extremely popular and have restricted area, just like the funicular journey as much as go to Penang Hill – I extremely suggest reserving a quick monitor ticket upfront to keep away from losing time queuing or attainable disappointment, particularly if you’re visiting Penang within the peak season.
I prefer to get every thing booked upfront so I can calm down and simply get pleasure from my journey. One of the best place to seek out, learn critiques and guide attraction tickets, actions and excursions in Penang is on Viator and Get Your Information. Native journey brokers additionally promote excursions however I like to have the ability to learn the critiques first in order that I do know I’m going to have a very good expertise.
One other journey reserving platform that’s actually widespread in Malaysia is Klook – it typically has cheaper costs so it’s properly value testing too. Klook provide a Penang Move which might prevent cash in case you plan on visiting many sights.
A few of the high rated excursions and actions in Penang embody:
For those who’d prefer to make your individual tour itinerary for Penang is that this versatile non-public tour with a automobile and driver and information is the best selection.
The place to Keep in Penang
Penang provides loads of lodging choices for all budgets and forms of travellers. Regardless that it’s not an enormous island, deciding the place to remain in Penang is a vital a part of planning your itinerary because it’s a really various place.
The greatest place to remain in Penang is George City for many travellers. George City is the multicultural capital of Penang, an vital historic buying and selling port. The outdated a part of George City, together with Malacca/ Melaka), is a UNESCO world heritage website.
The wealthy historical past of Penang as a buying and selling port has given it a extremely multicultural really feel with many alternative cuisines and locations of worship for all faiths. The historic streets are crammed with colonial structure and colourful Chinese language shophouses, boutique resorts and cafes, quirky outlets and museums.
The trendy a part of George City provides up to date finances and luxurious resorts, residences, buying malls and facilities however, for the perfect expertise, I like to recommend staying within the historic half in a heritage lodge.
Greatest Motels in George City
Right here’s the perfect resorts in George City I can suggest for every finances:
Luxurious: The Japanese and Oriental Resort – A surprising 5 star lodge (from the identical founders as Raffles Singapore) in a colonial model constructing on the waterfront with outdated world attraction and an outside swimming pool boasting sea views.
Boutique: The Blue Mansion – An iconic, historic Chinese language courtyard model mansion and former house of Cheong Fatt Tze. It’s grow to be essentially the most well-known boutique lodge in Penang after it was featured within the film ‘Loopy Wealthy Asians.’ Guide properly upfront!
Mid Vary: Campbell Home – A tastefully restored heritage lodge and restaurant in an excellent central location. The spacious air conditioned rooms all have ensuite bogs and occasional makers and the employees are tremendous useful.
Price range: Carnarvon Home – An enthralling historic guesthouse with loads of character, carved picket options, courtyard and customary lounge with free espresso. There’s a wide range of rooms to select from, the standard rooms share bogs whereas the rooms within the new wing have non-public bogs.
Backpacker: Home of Journey Hostel – A vigorous backpacker hostel within the a restored historic constructing within the coronary heart of Georgetown. They provide shared dormitories and social actions making it an excellent place to remain in a finances and meet different travellers.
Prime Tip: An vital factor to pay attention to is that, because of the listed historic structure, it’s not attainable to supply ensuites bogs in some conventional properties/ can solely provide shared bogs / so learn the small print fastidiously earlier than reserving to keep away from any surprises!
Greatest Motels in different areas of Penang
Different good locations to remain in Penang embody Gurney Drive and Batu Ferringhi Seashore.
For those who’d choose to base your self close to the seaside there are many luxurious seaside resorts on Batu Ferringhi Seashore just like the Shangri-La Golden Sands Penang.
One other good choice is Gurney Drive, a preferred seafront promenade the place you’ll discover Gurney Plaza shopping center and trendy resorts just like the Ascott Gurney Penang, only a brief drive from the historic space of George City.
There are buses and taxis providing quick access to George City, so you’ll be able to nonetheless discover the historic components of the island too even in case you keep elsewhere.
So now all of the important Penang journey ideas you’re prepared to start out planning your daily itinerary!
The Excellent 3 Day Penang Itinerary
- Day 1 – Discover historic George City and be a part of a meals tour
- Day 2 – Go to Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill
- Day 3 – Hike at Penang Nationwide Park and calm down on Batu Ferringhi Seashore
Day 1: Discover Historic George City and be a part of a meals tour
One of the best ways to start out your Penang journey is by exploring the charming lanes of historic George City, studying concerning the cities distinctive historical past, and discovering the numerous and scrumptious cuisines of Penang.
Both be a part of a guided tour of George City, or observe my DIY strolling tour route. It’s rather a lot to see in sooner or later so in case you run out of time you’ll be able to come again on day 4.
Morning: George City was a free port and the primary British settlement in Southeast Asia. One of the best place to start out is at Fort Cornwallis, the place George City was based in 1786 when Francis Mild from the British East India Firm acquired Penang Island from the Sultan of Kedah in change for army support.
There’s not a lot to see contained in the fort so it’s value taking the guided tour that brings it’s historical past to life, or simply taking a wander across the outdoors, exploring the world the place George City began and getting an perception into the origins of the town.
As you stroll down the esplanade and discover the world surrounding the fort you’ll see a lot of spectacular British colonial structure just like the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, City Corridor, Metropolis Corridor, and St George’s Anglican Church.
You might pop into the Straits and Oriental Museum earlier than strolling up Muntri Road, it’s one of the vital charming streets lined with historic Chinese language shophouses, a few of that are stunning boutique resorts.
The Cheong Fatt Zhe Mansion (The Blue Mansion) is a should go to. This distinctive historic blue mansion was house to Cheong Fatt Tze, often called the Rockefeller of the East. You may recognise it from the film ‘Loopy Wealthy Asians.‘
The Cheong Fatt Zhe Mansion is now a boutique lodge and museum providing small group guided excursions at 11am and three.30pm. It’s value reserving upfront as tickets do promote out. There’s a bar, restaurant, and courtyard cafe right here too which is a little bit dear however value it for the distinctive environment.
Afternoon: Head again into the core heritage zone to proceed exploring. One in all my favourite streets in George City is Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, often known as Concord Road!
Right here you’ll discover Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, Christian church buildings and Muslim mosques all on one avenue. That is the place you’ll see the Goddess of Mercy temple, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Kapitan Keling Mosque virtually reverse one another – it exhibits the inspiring cultural variety and non secular tolerance.
Don’t miss exploring Little India, one of the vital atmospheric components of George City. The vigorous streets are filled with vibrant saree outlets, the scent of spices, flowers and incense, the sound of Bollywood music and genuine Indian eating places. Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant is an efficient place to eat genuine Indian meals, or simply seize a chai and a samosa.
One other should see Penang attraction is the Pinang Peranakan Mansion – that is an opulent, historic mansion which is now a museum providing a captivating glimpse into the life and historical past of the Peranakan’s (Straits Chinese language). It’s additionally house to Nyonya Palazzo the place you’ll be able to strive some distinctive and vibrant Nyonya dishes.
Afterwards, head south and proceed wandering retaining your eye out for the well-known Penang avenue artwork together with the long-lasting youngsters on a bicycle mural. You’ll discover it on Armenian Road not removed from Cheah Kongsi Temple and the colorful Umbrella alley, a preferred Instagram spot.
One other spotlight is Khoo Kongsi – a historic Chinese language clan home, temple and museum. The constructing is extremely intricate and there’s some fascinating shows that specify the historical past of the Chinese language clans in Penang.
For those who fancy a espresso and cake pop into China Home Cafe, on Seashore Road. It’s the longest cafe in George City with a lot of completely different areas to discover and a novel vibe. The China Home present free crayons and paper so you will get artistic and draw whilst you get pleasure from your espresso and cake.
As soon as your refreshed, head to the Clan Jetties, conventional waterfront communities with picket jetties and homes on stilts the place Chinese language settlers nonetheless reside. The primary jetty is Chew Jetty and the waterfront Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple is gorgeous and provides nice views over the water.
Guided Excursions of George City
Wandering round George City is a really secure and gratifying solution to spend the day, however having a neighborhood information will enable you to perceive extra concerning the historical past and tales behind this fascinating place.
The free strolling excursions ran by the George City Vacationer Data Centre are sadly not operating, however there are many different choices:
George City’s Multicultural Historical past Strolling Tour – The Concord Road historical past stroll run by passionate native information, Tiger, is the perfect strolling tour in Penang providing a captivating perception into the multicultural historical past of George City.
Enjoyable George City Bicycle or Trishaw Tour – Select between using a bicycle or stress-free in a trishaw for a enjoyable and distinctive solution to discover the highlights of George City with a neighborhood information.
Historical past of George City Non-public Tour – You might additionally take this non-public tour which visits the highlights of George City in addition to the Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple and the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple. These are situated outdoors of George City so it’s not attainable to incorporate them in my DIY strolling tour.
Night: Penang is known for it’s various meals scene and scrumptious avenue meals so becoming a member of a meals tour is one thing I actually suggest doing in your first day in Penang.
The Penang Plates Meals Tour is a tasty and enjoyable solution to be taught concerning the islands distinctive historical past and combination of Malay, Chinese language, and Indian tradition via it’s superb meals. You style 15 completely different dishes so that you’ll uncover that are your favorites and get to know the perfect locations to eat so you can also make essentially the most out of the remainder of your journey in Malaysia’s high foodie hotspot.
For those who’d choose to discover George City’s avenue meals independently head to the Hawker facilities or Chulia Road Evening Market the place the most important choice of hawker stalls are. Search for ones with queues of locals ready to seek out the perfect dishes. Afterwards, take a look at the bars and speakeasies on Love Lane for nightlife.
Day 2: Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill
Penang Hill, a former British hill station providing lush rainforests and beautiful views over the island, is without doubt one of the high sights in Penang. It may be simply mixed with Kek Lok Si temple, the most important Buddhist temple in Malaysia, which is situated on the foot of the hill in Air Itam, for the right solution to spend your 2nd day in Penang.
Morning: Begin your 2nd day in Penang by heading out of George City to discover the colorful Kek Lok Si Temple, one of many best Buddhist temples in all of Southeast Asia.
The sprawling hillside advanced provides superb views and has loads to discover together with the Pagoda of one million Buddhas and the huge 30 meter Guan Yin statue.
Subsequent, head to to Penang Hill, (Bukit Bendera) the oldest British Hill Station in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Standing at 833 meters (2,732 ft) above sea stage, it provides unimaginable views, mountain climbing trails, refreshingly cooler temperatures and lots to discover.
You possibly can hike as much as Penang Hill, however it’s steep and fairly difficult and would take a lot of the day. So I like to recommend taking the Penang Hill funicular railway for a straightforward and enjoyable solution to go up the hill.
The Penang Hill Railway is an incredible feat of engineering which has been operating for over 100 years and makes for a enjoyable journey. Keep away from the lengthy queues by reserving a quick lane ticket upfront.
Whenever you arrive on the high you’ll be handled to spectacular views over the island and funky, contemporary air. There’s numerous sights, together with a small museum and artwork gallery, a mosque, Hindu temple and a few colonial bungalows the place Europeans got here for respite from the tropical warmth.
Attempt David Brown’s Terrace Restaurant or, in case you’re on a finances, the meals courtroom, for lunch with a view.
Afternoon: My spotlight was visiting The Habitat, an award successful rainforest discovery heart with an accessible nature path, an extended suspension bridge cover stroll, tree high walkway and viewing platform, and a zipline.
Even within the refreshing gentle rain it was a magical expertise to be immersed within the lush tropical nature, we even noticed some monkeys within the bushes.
If you wish to discover additional there’s loads of nature trails with unspoilt nature and superb viewpoints, you’ll be able to even stroll all the best way right down to the Penang Botanical Gardens, or simply get a taxi there whenever you get down from the hill.
You will get from George City to Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill by taxi, bus, or guided tour. For the perfect expertise I like to recommend a non-public, customisable Penang tour so you’ll be able to spend so long as you need having fun with solely the locations you wish to go to.
In your means again to George City you could possibly cease on the Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple, house to the worlds third largest reclining Buddha, and the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple for extra perception into multicultural Penang.
Night: When you get again into George City stroll alongside the Esplanade at sundown, have a cocktail on the Japanese and Oriental Resort, or head to Three-Sixty, a revolving restaurant and rooftop bar at Resort Bayview for drinks and dinner with a view.
Or dive again into the town’s avenue meals scene for a finances pleasant dinner and have drinks at Manchu, a Chinese language themed cocktail bar with reside bands, or test what’s on at China Home Cafe, they typically have reside music and occasions within the evenings.
Day 3: Penang Nationwide Park and Batu Ferrinighi Seashore
Be sure you embody getting out of George City to discover the pure magnificence and calm down on the seashores of this tropical island too!
On day 3 I like to recommend heading to the north west coast of Penang island to hike in Penang Nationwide Park and calm down on the seaside at Batu Ferringhi.
Morning: Make an early begin to benefit from the cooler morning climate and head to Penang Nationwide Park (Taman Negara Pulau Pinang) on the Northwest coast of Penang island. You possibly can take the quantity 101 bus from George City, it takes about 1 hour and a half to get there and entrance is free!
Whereas it’s the smallest nationwide park in Malaysia there’s nonetheless a lot to discover and revel in with nature trails and cover walks via the plush tropical jungle to pristine seashores and a lighthouse.
One of the crucial widespread trails is to Teluk Duyung, often known as Monkey Seashore. The trek takes about 1 hour and a half, carry loads of water and snacks however watch out that the cheeky monkeys don’t steal your belongings!
Whereas stunning, the humidity could make the trek fairly tiring so I like to recommend hiring a ship to take you again to the beginning.
Afternoon: Not removed from the nationwide park you’ll discover the Tropical Spice Backyard which is house to over 500 species of vegetation and runs backyard excursions and cooking courses. In addition they have a jungle seafront cafe so it makes a pleasant cease to refresh after the hike and be taught extra concerning the wildlife.
Proceed heading again in direction of George City and cease at Batu Ferringhi Seashore the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from swimming and watersports or simply stress-free on the sandy seaside. You might even have a drink at one of many seaside bars like Bora Bora and watch the sundown.
Another choice on the route is to take a look at the Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque – if it’s excessive tide the mosque appears prefer it’s floating on the water.
Night: Spend the night looking the stalls on the Batu Ferringhi evening marketplace for scrumptious avenue meals, clothes, equipment, souvenirs and items to take house.
Another choice is to go again to George City and go to The Prime on the Komtar, the tallest constructing in Penang. There’s a theme park with 18 sights right here, however I believe the perfect purpose to go to is for the Rainbow Skywalk 360 diploma panoramic views over George City.
The views are particularly beautiful at sundown, plus there’s a restaurant up right here too for a memorable final night meal. Or you could possibly head to the close by Kimberly Road Meals Market on your final avenue meals feast.
Extra Locations to Go to in Penang
The primary 3 days of this Penang journey itinerary covers locations that I really feel are a should go to to get a style of all of the completely different sides of the island, however there’s a lot extra to do in Penang when you have extra time.
So when you have 4 or 5 days to spend in Penang, or extra, there are some fascinating museums and household pleasant sights which might be properly value visiting.
Right here’s some extra locations and actions that you just may wish to additionally contemplate including to your Penang itinerary:
- Malaysian Cooking Class
- Offbeat Countryside Bicycle Tour
- Jalan Kek Chuan – seventeenth most stunning avenue on the planet
- Excessive tea and the Japanese and Oriental Resort
- The Snake Temple
- Wonderfood Museum
- Ghost museum
- Batik Portray Museum
- Solar Yat Sen Museum
- Penang Warfare Museum
- Upside Down Museum, Glow Planet, 3D Trick Artwork Museum
- Hin Bus Depot – Artwork gallery and market with reside music within the outdated bus station.
- Escape Penang – Theme park and water park with excessive ropes programs, zip strains, waterslides and so on
- Entopia Penang – A spectacular butterfly farm
- Tropical Fruit Farm
Day Journeys from Penang
Whereas there aren’t as many choices for day journeys from Penang as they’re from Kuala Lumpur there’s nonetheless some very particular locations close by which might be value visiting.
Some choices for day journeys from Penang embody:
Ipoh: A former tin mining metropolis with charming Moorish and colonial structure surrounded by limestone hills and pure sights like Kek Lok Tong and Perak Cave Temples. For those who take this Ipoh Day Tour, you even get the prospect to go to Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island on the best way which is ideal in case you don’t have time to go to Borneo.
Cameron Highlands: A number of extra hours from Ipoh are the rolling hills, misty mountains and scenic tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands. One other spotlight of any Malaysia itinerary however a bit too removed from a day journey from Penang – higher to go to enroute to Kuala Lumpur and keep at the least 1 evening.
Langkawi Island: Dwelling to a few of Malaysia’s greatest seashores with loads of beautiful nature to discover. My highlights have been taking a ship via the mangrove rivers of the Geo park, using the cable automobile as much as the Langkawi sky bridge, and happening an island hopping boat journey.
Sadly, the ferry from Penang to Langkawi doesn’t appear to be operating anymore which implies day journeys from Penang to Langkawi aren’t really easy. You possibly can fly in lower than an hour or take a bus to Alor Setar to catch the ferry which is value it when you have time to spend just a few days on Langkawi.
What and The place to Eat in Penang
Penang is Malaysia’s meals capital with a various delicacies that blends Malay, Chinese language, Indian, and Thai influences. Whereas there isn’t any scarcity of cute cafes and gourmand eating places in Penang among the greatest meals is discovered on the road, in meals courts, and in hawker facilities so it’s actually reasonably priced and straightforward to strive all of it!
A few of the greatest locations to eat in Penang embody New Lane Hawker Heart, Chulia Road Hawker Heart, Kimberly Road Evening Market, and Gurney Drive Hawker Heart.
Prime Dishes to Attempt
Right here’s among the greatest dishes to strive whenever you’re in Penang:
- Nasi Lemak – Malaysia’s nationwide dish of rice served with spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, hard-boiled egg, cucumber, and fried rooster or beef rendang.
- Char Kway Teow – Stir-fried flat rice noodle dish is cooked in a smoky wok with prawns, Chinese language sausage, egg, bean sprouts, chives, chili and soy sauce.
- Penang Laksa (Asam Laksa Soup) – A tangy, bitter and spicy noodle soup made with tamarind (asam) and mackerel fish, served with thick rice noodles, cucumber, onions, mint leaves, and a spicy shrimp paste. One in all Penang’s most iconic dishes.
- Hokkien Mee – A hearty noodle soup with a wealthy prawn and pork broth, yellow noodles, prawns, pork slices, and typically egg.
- Curry Mee – A coconut milk curry soup, served with both yellow noodles or rice vermicelli, topped with prawns, rooster or tofu.
- Penang Rojak – A refreshing fruit and vegetable salad served with a candy and spicy shrimp paste dressing topped with peanuts and sesame seeds.
- Roti Canai – Indian-influenced flatbread served with dhal (lentil curry) or a meat curry. A preferred breakfast dish.
- Satay – Grilled skewers of marinated meat (often rooster or beef) with a peanuty sauce.
- Penang Hainanese Hen Rice – Steamed or roasted rooster and aromatic rice cooked in rooster inventory. Often a good selection in case you don’t like spicy meals.
- Nasi Kandar – Muslim-Malay rise dish with numerous curries, meats (fried rooster, beef rendang, or fish), and greens. Attempt it at Line Clear Nasi Kandar.
- Chendol – Refreshing dessert made out of shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and inexperienced rice flour jelly topped with crimson beans and candy corn. The right deal with to chill off on a scorching day.
- Durian – Malaysia’s “king of fruits.” It has a powerful, distinctive scent however is adored by locals for its creamy, candy flesh.
Now you understand how to spend 3 Days in Penang, Malaysia
As you’ll be able to see, there may be a lot to do on Penang island so that you received’t get bored even in case you spend every week right here, or extra! Whereas some individuals say that 1 or 2 days is sufficient time in Penang I disagree. I’ve visited Penang thrice now and spent every week every time – there’s at all times one thing new to see.
That’s why I like to recommend spending a minimal of three days in Penang so you’ll be able to discover the historical past and completely different cultures, strive all of the scrumptious meals, and discover the pure fantastic thing about this tropical island – in any other case you’ve solely seen one aspect to this fascinating, multicultural, distinctive vacation spot!
I hope my Penang itinerary has given you loads of inspiration and ideas that can assist you plan your journey and that you just love Penang as a lot as I do! Be happy to select and select from my suggestions to create your individual itinerary relying in your pursuits.
And, if you’re planning an extended journey round the entire nation, take a look at my Malaysia itinerary to know how you can see the perfect of each peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.
For those who want extra ideas take a look at my different Malaysia blogs: